KAS School for Young Politicians: Building Democratic Capacity Across Africa

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) successfully completed another edition of the KAS School for Young Politicians (KASYP) in 2025, reinforcing its mission to empower the next generation of political leaders across Africa.

Held in two phases, the program combined an intensive five-day training in Pretoria (April–May 2025) with a six-day leadership and capacity-building program in Johannesburg, Midrand, and Pretoria (September 2025). Together, these sessions equipped young political leaders from across the continent with the tools to lead responsibly, communicate effectively, and strengthen democratic institutions in their home countries.

Developing Leadership and Vision

The program’s curriculum was designed to provide both conceptual grounding and practical skills. Sessions explored the foundations of political parties, the social market economy, policy development, and the art of persuasive political communication. Participants engaged in exercises ranging from crafting stump speeches and strategic communication plans to debating complex policy challenges such as energy security, technology governance, and foreign policy.

Self-assessment and vision-building workshops encouraged participants to reflect on their values and define their role within their parties. These activities helped them align personal and organizational goals while strengthening confidence in their political purpose.

Strengthening Campaign and Policy Skills

Another central focus of the program was campaign strategy and financing. Participants practiced opposition research, message targeting, and donor engagement through practical role-playing and recorded pitch exercises. Policy sessions broadened their understanding of employment strategies, the social market economy, and governance frameworks, giving them substantive tools to support credible political programs.

A highlight of the September session was the study visit to the African Union’s African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in Midrand, where participants learned about governance evaluations and accountability. An excursion to Freedom Park in Pretoria further connected the themes of leadership, reconciliation, and Africa’s democratic struggles.

Fostering Democratic Reflection and Resilience

The program also created space for reflection on the risks facing democracies worldwide. A keynote lecture by Ray Hartley emphasized the urgent need to protect democratic institutions in the face of global, regional, and local threats. Through open discussions, participants deepened their awareness of these challenges and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening resilient governance in their respective contexts.

A Pan-African Network of Emerging Leaders

The 2025 edition of KASYP brought together 23 participants from 10 countries and 14 political parties, including both ruling and opposition movements. This diversity of perspectives enriched peer-to-peer learning, while strong female participation underscored KAS’s commitment to inclusive leadership.

Participants departed not only with sharpened skills and broader policy knowledge but also with a vibrant cross-border network that will sustain collaboration and solidarity across Africa.

Looking Ahead

The KAS School for Young Politicians continues to demonstrate the importance of structured political education in building responsible leadership. By investing in youth leaders and fostering cross-party, cross-country dialogue, KAS reaffirms its role as a key partner in promoting democratic governance and inclusive politics on the continent.

The September 2025 closing marked the end of this cycle, but for the young politicians who participated, it is only the beginning of their journey as agents of democratic change.